Autopsy report still pending in Clarksdale candidate's death

JACKSON — More than a month has passed since Clarksdale mayoral candidate Marco McMillian was found dead, but the cause of death remains largely a mystery pending an autopsy report.

McMillian’s body was found Feb. 27 in Coahoma County.

Coahoma County Coroner Scotty Meredith says the state crime lab is waiting for an investigative report from the sheriff’s office. He says that will be incorporated into the autopsy report before it’s released.

Will Rooker, a sheriff’s spokesman, had no immediate comment Thursday.

Lawrence Reed is charged with murder, but authorities haven’t released a possible motive.

Carter Womack, McMillian’s godfather, says the family is frustrated by the lack of information.

McMillian’s death got widespread attention after his campaign said he was openly gay, leading some to suspect a hate crime was committed.